It is a grand defence of
human rights--a brave and manly plea for universal justice. It
leaves the decision of the Supreme Court without argument, without
reason, and without excuse. Such an exhibition of independence,
courage and ability has won for Justice Harlan the respect and
admiration of "both sides," and places him in the front rank of
constitutional lawyers.

--_The Inter-Ocean_, Chicago, Illinois, November 29, 1883.

POLITICS AND THEOLOGY.

_Question_. What is your opinion of Brewster's administration?

_Answer_. I hardly think I ought to say much about the administration
of Mr. Brewster. Of course many things have been done that I
thought, and still think, extremely bad; but whether Mr. Brewster
was responsible for the things done, or not, I do not pretend to
say. When he was appointed to his present position, there was
great excitement in the country about the Star Route cases, and
Mr. Brewster was expected to prosecute everybody and everything to
the extent of the law; in fact, I believe he was appointed by reason
of having made such a promise. At that time there were hundreds
of people interested in exaggerating all the facts connected with
the Star Route cases, and when there were no facts to be exaggerated,
they made some, and exaggerated them afterward. It may be that
the Attorney-General was misled, and he really supposed that all
he heard was true. My objection to the administration of the
Department of Justice is, that a resort was had to spies and
detectives. The battle was not fought in the open field. Influences
were brought to bear. Nearly all departments of the Government
were enlisted. Everything was done to create a public opinion in
favor of the prosecution. Everything was done that the cases might
be decided on prejudice instead of upon facts.

Everything was done to demoralize, frighten and overawe judges,
witnesses and jurors. I do not pretend to say who was responsible,
possibly I am not an impartial judge. I was deeply interested at
the time, and felt all of these things, rather than reasoned about
them.

Possibly I cannot give a perfectly unbiased opinion. Personally,
I have no feeling now upon the subject.

The Department of Justice, in spite of its methods, did not succeed.
That was enough for me. I think, however, when the country knows
the facts, that the people will not approve of what was done. I
do not believe in trying cases in the newspapers bef